When it comes to sports video games, the WWE games have always fit in a peculiar space between simulation and arcade experience. It speaks to the nature of the company's productions, as each WWE show combines elements of incredible athleticism with sometimes overh-the-top showmanship. Considering how many WWE games have been produced over the years, there's usually a pretty good balance of entertainment and authenticity that keeps fans coming back whenever a new game releases.
Like many long-running series however, not every WWE game has been created equally. There have been some standout releases over the years that have cemented themselves as the definitive wrestling video game experiences. But on the other side of things, there have been some WWE games in the past that have left many players wondering what went wrong. If there's one thing that a lot of fans know, it's that the WWE has had some high and low points, and the games are no exception to this.
F Tier
Games that fall into this tier are nearly unplayable, often being cursed with game-breaking glitches that make playing the game a truly miserable experience, or simply deliver an all-around subpar experience. One such game that fits this description perfectly is the glitchy WWE 2K20, which launched with a slew of issues that made enjoying a match nearly impossible.
- WWE 2K20
- WWE 2K Battlegrounds
D Tier
While some WWE games are considered truly terrible by fans, there are some that can be a little divisive. These games aren't necessarily bad, but they certainly aren't good either. WWE 2K18 is one of the best examples of this, as the MyCareer and Universe modes in that game were largely uninteresting. Considering how bombastic the weekly WWE shows are, if one of the games comes off as boring, then it has gone off track.
- WWE 2K18
- WWE 2K15
- WWE Legends of WrestleMania
C Tier
There are times in the video game industry when a series stagnates and a brand new release seems like a carbon copy of what came out one or two years prior. It's an unfortunate side effect of the rigorous development schedules that games are put under, and WWE games have fallen victim to this on more than one occasion. WWE 2K19, although decent, illustrated this when it released with very little variation from the previous year's game.
- WWE 2K19
- WWE WrestleMania X8
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
B Tier
These games do a lot of things well, showing how WWE games have the potential to give players the chance to put themselves in the boots of their favorite wrestlers. There are some minor missteps present, but it's usually nothing game-breaking. WWE 2K17 fits this role fairly well, as it was a good game overall, but some small mistakes keep it from ranking higher.
- WWE 2K17
- WWE 2K16
- WWE '13
A Tier
Games in this tier provide some of the best wrestling video game experiences, combining expansive rosters with excellent gameplay. These entries succeed in actually making players feel like they're embodying their favorite wrestlers. They also have a healthy supply of arcade fun in their games, like the over the top WWE All Stars.
- WWE All Stars
- WWE '12
- WWE Day of Reckoning 2
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
S Tier
The best of the best when it comes to WWE games are triumphs in combining the sensationalism of the shows with the realistic athleticism of the company's wrestlers. These games are free from really any major flaws, and at their core, they're just fun to get lost in. One of the quintessential WWE games would have to be WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, which is still regarded as one of the best wrestling games by a lot of fans.
- WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006
- WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010
WWE games have become a pivotal part of the video game landscape, and they show no sign of disappearing anytime soon. They allow players to live out their dreams of being a WWE Superstar without risking serious injury, and they give players a chance to suplex their friends without breaking any furniture. With speculation on WWE 2K22 starting to take shape, it'll be interesting to see how wrestling will fit into the next generation of gaming.